Aumua Makes Impassioned Plea on House Floor for American Samoa's Economic Well-Being
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, took to the House Floor on Monday in support of her bill, H.R. 2617, which passed by unanimous consent. The legislation, which has been modified after negotiations between Amata and the Senate, passed that body today and has been returned to the House for a final vote, where it is expected to pass unanimously, before being sent to the President's desk for his signature.
Congresswoman Amata Speaks on the House Floor in Support of her Bill
"I am pleased that we were able to get an increase for our workers in the negotiations. However, I remain concerned regarding the long-term stability of the canning industry on the island, as this increase, while welcomed for the people, will place an even greater strain on our local industry, which is already under attack from all sides," said Amata. "It is my hope that by coming to this agreement, it will allow for greater cooperation and understanding in the future on issues that are of even greater significance to the long-term stability of the tuna canneries in American Samoa, like section 30a," continued Amata.
The agreement, which was reached after days of discussions, will allow for a $.40 an hour increase for the minimum wage on the island. The agreement will also allow for a longer term of certainty for the canneries, when it comes to setting prices for their products in the market.
During her floor speech, which can be seen on the Congresswoman's official YouTube and Facebook pages; the Congresswoman made an impassioned plea to the House, calling for support for her measure. The Congresswoman spoke for over twelve minutes and cited many of the issues that are placing strain on the fishing industry in American Samoa including, the closing off of large swaths of traditional fishing grounds, and the High-Seas fishing limit, which have caused great harm to the island's economy. Amata also stated her desire for higher wages for the people of American Samoa, but not at the cost of losing thousands of desperately needed jobs.
Since 2007, Congress has granted the waiver to American Samoa, due to the sensitive nature of the local economy. However, since then, Chicken of the Sea has opened a plant in Lyons, Georgia (GA), which has garnered the support of the GA Delegation. This new interest from the GA Delegation translates to a tougher fight on any tuna canning issue in the future.
"As a freshman, who serves a territory with no Senate counterpart, it is doubly difficult to move legislation through that body should there be an objection," said Amata. "Senate rules allow for the ability of one single Senator to completely shut down any legislation he or she may disagree with," continued Amata. "We fought hard and in the end we were able to reach an agreement that while certainly not perfect, will allow our people to have a little more in their paycheck, as well as a greater certainty for the long-term outlook for the canneries, and those are good things," continued Amata. "I want to thank Governor Lolo and his administration as well as the Fono leadership and members for their valuable assistance and support on this issue that is so important to the island. I would also like to thank the numerous staff and others, who put in many hours of hard work to get us this agreement. Their dedication to the people of American Samoa is recognized and appreciated," continued Amata. "Mostly, I want to thank both TriMarine and Starkist for their understanding, patience and cooperation during the negotiations," concluded Amata.
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